Unit 1: The World Before Modern Times

Vocabulary flashcards covering early civilizations, modes of authority, Greek philosophy, Athenian democracy, and the Roman Republic from Chapters 1 and 2.

Civilization

A complex human society, usually made up of different cities, with certain characteristics of cultural and technological development.

Mandate of Heaven

An ancient Chinese philosophy stating that Heaven bestows the right to rule upon a deserving person.

Philosophy

An organized system of thought focused on thinking critically and rationally, derived from the Greek word meaning 'love of wisdom'.

Socrates

Greek thinker considered the father of philosophy who left no writings, placed great emphasis on reason, and believed the goal of education is to improve human understanding.

Socratic Method

A teaching method used by Socrates based on the belief that all knowledge is already present in each person, and careful questioning can draw it out.

Aristotle

A student of Plato and teacher of Alexander the Great who focused on observation and investigation to research and wrote Politics.

Politics

A work written by Aristotle that analyzed existing governments and concluded that monarchy, aristocracy, and constitutional government are three good forms of government.

Tyranny

A form of government where all the power is held in the hands of one ruler.

Monarchy

A form of government where a king or a queen rules.

Oligarchy

A form of government ruled by a small group of people who share power, most often aristocrats.

Democracy

Government by all people, usually through elected representatives, derived from 'demo' (the people) and 'kratia' (power or rule).

Classical Period

A period of innovation and cultural flourishing in Athens that emerged in 510 BCE and lasted until 313 BCE.

Ekklesia

The Athenian Assembly that voted on laws, war, and foreign policy by simple majority, meeting 40 times per year and open to any citizen over age 20.

Boule

The Athenian Council of 500 men over age 30 chosen by lottery for 1-year terms (maximum 2 terms) to handle day-to-day issues and prepare the agenda for the Ekklesia.

Dikasteria

The Athenian Courts composed of 500 men over age 30 chosen by lottery who decided legal cases by majority rule.

Republic

A form of government in which people choose officials to represent them, ensuring power is shared, leaders can be replaced, and no single person rules.

Consuls

The two highest elected public officials in the Roman Republic who served one-year terms, with one leading the government and the other leading the army.

Senate

The governing body over Rome, usually made of wealthy landowners appointed by consuls for lifelong terms, who passed laws and controlled the treasury.

Tribunes

Ten officials in the Roman Republic elected to one-year terms to protect the rights of common people from the wealthy, possessing the power to veto government action.

The Twelve Tables

Ancient Rome's written constitution engraved on stone tablets and displayed publicly, which outlined basic human rights and introduced the rule of law.

Civilization

A complex human society, usually made up of different cities, with certain characteristics of cultural and technological development.

Mandate of Heaven

An ancient Chinese philosophy stating that Heaven bestows the right to rule upon a deserving person.

Philosophy

An organized system of thought focused on thinking critically and rationally, derived from the Greek word meaning 'love of wisdom'.

Socrates

Greek thinker considered the father of philosophy who left no writings, placed great emphasis on reason, and believed the goal of education is to improve human understanding.

Socratic Method

A teaching method used by Socrates based on the belief that all knowledge is already present in each person, and careful questioning can draw it out.

Aristotle

A student of Plato and teacher of Alexander the Great who focused on observation and investigation to research and wrote Politics.

Politics

A work written by Aristotle that analyzed existing governments and concluded that monarchy, aristocracy, and constitutional government are three good forms of government.

Confucianism

An ancient Chinese philosophy emphasizing that society works best when people act with kindness, respect, and responsibility, and that rulers should lead by moral example.